Conjunctive Adverbs: 50+ Common Conjunctive Adverbs in English

Conjunctive adverbs are an important part of English writing, particularly in formal and academic contexts. They show clear relationships between ideas and connect independent clauses in a logical way.

Conjunctive Adverbs

What Are Conjunctive Adverbs?

Conjunctive adverbs are words or phrases that connect two independent clauses and show the relationship between them, such as contrast, cause and effect, addition, or time sequence. Common conjunctive adverbs include however, therefore, consequently, moreover, nevertheless, otherwise, meanwhile, and instead.

Conjunctive adverbs are commonly used in written English to link ideas across sentences or clauses. They often appear at the beginning of a clause and are followed by a comma.

• However, the results were not what we expected.
• Therefore, further research was required.
• Consequently, the plan was revised.
• Nevertheless, the project continued.

Usage of Conjunctive Adverbs

Conjunctive adverbs connect independent clauses and clarify how one idea relates to another. They are not conjunctions and cannot replace coordinating conjunctions such as and, but, or so.

When a conjunctive adverb connects two independent clauses in the same sentence, a semicolon is used before the adverb and a comma follows it.

• The deadline was approaching; however, the report was not finished.
• He missed the bus; therefore, he arrived late.

Conjunctive adverbs can also connect ideas across separate sentences.

• The experiment failed. Consequently, the method was adjusted.

List of Conjunctive Adverbs

Commonly accepted conjunctive adverbs used to connect independent clauses in modern English writing are listed below.

Contrast

• however
• nevertheless
• nonetheless
• conversely
• instead

Cause and Effect

• therefore
• consequently
• thus
• accordingly
• hence

Addition

• moreover
• furthermore
• additionally
• likewise
• similarly

Time and Sequence

• meanwhile
• subsequently
• thereafter
• eventually
• finally

Examples of Conjunctive Adverbs

• However: She wanted to attend the meeting; however, she was out of town.
• Therefore: The evidence was incomplete; therefore, no conclusion was reached.
• Moreover: The proposal was cost-effective; moreover, it saved time.
• Nevertheless: The task was difficult; nevertheless, it was completed.

Punctuation with Conjunctive Adverbs

Semicolons

When two independent clauses are connected in one sentence, a semicolon appears before the conjunctive adverb and a comma follows it.

The weather was unpredictable; however, the event continued.

Periods

A conjunctive adverb may also begin a new sentence, with a period preceding it and a comma following it.

The data was incomplete. However, several patterns were identified.

Frequent Issues in Usage

Using a Comma Instead of a Semicolon

Using a comma before a conjunctive adverb creates a structure where two independent clauses are joined without a semicolon or a period.

• With a comma: I enjoy writing, however, I rarely publish my work.
• With a semicolon: I enjoy writing; however, I rarely publish my work.

Confusing Conjunctive Adverbs with Conjunctions

Words such as and, but, and so are coordinating conjunctions, not conjunctive adverbs, and follow different punctuation rules.

Last Updated on January 15, 2026